Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16184 · Eurocopter France Model AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP Helicopters
This AD applies to Model AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters with the following seat harnesses, fitted with blanking plugs, part number (P/N) 332V85134620 or P/N 332V85134621, except seat harnesses modified by Eurocopter MOD 332V080169, installed, certificated in any category:
| Harness manufacturer | Seat harness P/N |
|---|---|
| Schroth | P/N 1-10-725203. |
| P/N 1-10-P65203. | |
| On Fisher Harmony single seats, P/N 03140000011X205 (Eurocopter P/N 704A41210112). | |
| On Fisher Harmony two-seat benches, P/N 03150000011XX205 (Eurocopter P/N 704A41210113). | |
| AM-SAFE | P/N 503583-407-2251. |
| P/N 503583-408-2251. | |
| On Sicma single seats with the following P/Ns: | |
| P/N 17911-02-00 (Eurocopter P/N 704A41210102). | |
| P/N 17911-03-00 (Eurocopter P/N 704A41210105). | |
| P/N 17912-02-00 (Eurocopter P/N 704A41210103). | |
| P/N 17912-03-00 (Eurocopter P/N 704A41210106). | |
| On Sicma two-seat benches with the following P/Ns: | |
| P/N 17920-02-00 (Eurocopter P/N 704A41210104). | |
| P/N 17920-03-00 (Eurocopter P/N 704A41210107). | |
| P/N 504729-401-2251 on rear bench seats (all P/Ns). |
Note: Embodiment of MOD 332V080169 can be checked visually by verifying that no blanking plug is fitted on the 5th attachment point of the buckle plus verifying that aircraft records indicate the blanking plug has been removed by following MOD 332V080169.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (ECF) model helicopters. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The MCAI states: "Recently, a report was received concerning the discovery of fragments of a plastic blanking plug (fitted to the harness belt buckle 5th attachment point) inside a seat harness belt buckle. Over time, this blanking plug hardens and becomes brittle. This condition, if not corrected, can lead to failure of the plug and fragments being caught inside the buckle, causing interference and preventing the belt from being released during an emergency evacuation of the aircraft." This AD requires actions that are intended to address this unsafe condition.
Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously, do the following:
(1) Within 30 days, pry out the blanking plug from each seat harness belt buckle.
(2) If the removed blanking plug has deteriorated (fragmented), before further flight, replace the belt buckle with an airworthy belt buckle without a plastic blanking plug. Do this replacement as depicted in Figures 7 and 8 for the “AM-SAFE” belt buckle and Figure 9 for the “SCHROTH” belt buckle of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 01.00.72 for the Model AS332L1 and L2 and ASB No. 04A003 for the Model EC225LP helicopters, both dated April 15, 2008. To replace a belt buckle, follow the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2.b. of ASB 01.00.72 or ASB 04A003, both dated April 15, 2008, as applicable to your model helicopter, except this AD does not require you to return the harness belt buckle to the manufacturer.
(i) Conduct a buckle fastening release test to ensure the buckle works correctly.
(ii) Inspect the positioning of the seat harness belt on the buckle to assure that it is as depicted in Figure 6 of the ASB, as applicable to your model helicopter.
(3) If the blanking plug has not deteriorated, return the buckle to service without the blanking plug.
Note: This modifies the buckle to be airworthy without the blanking plug.
This AD does not require you to return the harness belt buckle to the manufacturer. Also, we use a compliance time of 30 days rather than 1 month.
The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, ATTN: George Schwab, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5114, fax (817) 222-5961 has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
